On Friday, October 11, 2024, Henderson County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a residence on Private Road 8502, south of Athens, following a report of animal cruelty. Upon arrival, deputies found four dogs deceased, still chained, and twelve other dogs in poor health. Additionally, a pig and a donkey were observed on the property.
The Animal Control Division and Athens Animal Services were contacted for assistance. Jerry Fontenot, the owner of the animals, was arrested at the scene and charged with four felony counts of animal cruelty causing death, twelve misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty for the surviving dogs, and two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to livestock animals.
Henderson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Milton Adams, signed seizure warrants for the animals. The dogs were transported to Athens Animal Services by Animal Control Deputies with assistance from Athens Police Department.
Fontenot was arraigned on October 12, 2024, by Henderson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Kevin Pollock, with bail set at $26,000. Authorities expressed gratitude to all agencies involved in rescuing the animals.
